§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment in the pilot areas for the New Deal for Disabled People(a) how many initial interviews with personal advisers have been booked, (b) how many initial interviews with personal advisers have taken place, (c) how many disabled people have agreed to participate in the New Deal following an initial interview and (d) how many people obtained jobs following participation in the New Deal. [72372]
§ Ms HodgeThe Personal Adviser Service is in the early stages of pilot operation, and it is too soon to draw conclusions. Figures show that by 5 February, 1,528 interviews had been booked, 1,364 people had been seen by Personal Advisers, and some 821 people had begun to implement an employment focused action plan. We know that most people in this client group will need many months of support before they are ready to start work. However, I am delighted that so far 50 people have secured work.